Key facts
- EBay and three former executives will pay $55.7 million to settle a harassment lawsuit.
- The lawsuit was filed by David and Ina Steiner, founders of the EcommerceBytes newsletter.
- The harassment campaign involved threats and bizarre anonymous deliveries, including live insects and a bloody pig mask.
- The settlement includes $48.7 million in compensation for the Steiners and $7 million in charitable donations.
- The agreement resolves over six years of criminal and civil proceedings related to the harassment campaign.
EBay Inc. has agreed to pay nearly $56 million to a Massachusetts couple who alleged that former employees of the company engaged in a prolonged harassment campaign against them. The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed by David and Ina Steiner, founders of the EcommerceBytes newsletter, who reported on the e-commerce industry.
The Steiners claimed that the harassment, which began in 2019, was intended to silence their reporting on EBay. The campaign allegedly included cyberstalking, death threats, and bizarre anonymous deliveries to their home, such as live insects, a funeral wreath, and a bloody pig Halloween mask. Federal prosecutors had previously charged seven former EBay employees in connection with the harassment, with most pleading guilty to charges including conspiracy and cyberstalking.
Under the terms of the settlement, the Steiners will receive $48.7 million in compensation, with $46.15 million coming from EBay, $2 million from former CEO Devin Wenig, $500,000 from former executive Wendy Jones, and $50,000 from former executive Steve Wymer. Additionally, EBay will fund $6 million in charitable contributions, and Wenig will contribute an additional $1 million to a charity supporting First Amendment rights in Ina Steiner’s name.
EBay reiterated its apology for the conduct, stating that the actions of the former employees were "wrong, reprehensible and should never have happened." The company acknowledged unprofessional tone in internal communications by former executives and asserted that the conduct is not representative of EBay's current culture, noting changes in leadership and strengthened policies. In 2024, EBay Inc. also agreed to pay a $3 million criminal penalty under a deferred prosecution agreement with federal authorities.
Attorney Christopher Murphy, representing the Steiners, highlighted that the settlement includes no confidentiality provision, allowing his clients to speak openly about the case. He stated that the resolution sends a warning against attempts by large businesses to suppress speech and the press, emphasizing that the case was an attack on free speech and freedom of the press.